Claudins, such as CLDN7, are involved in the formation of tight junctions between epithelial cells. Tight junctions restrict lateral diffusion of lipids and membrane proteins, and thereby physically define the border between the apical and basolateral compartments of epithelial cells.Claudins, such as CLDN7, are involved in the formation of tight junctions between epithelial cells. Tight junctions restrict lateral diffusion of lipids and membrane proteins, and thereby physically define the border between the apical and basolateral compartments of epithelial cells (Zheng et al., 2003 [PubMed 14502431]).[supplied by OMIM]. Publication Note: This RefSeq record includes a subset of the publications that are available for this gene. Please see the Entrez Gene record to access additional publications.